The ethics of semen retrieval remain controversial

Ethical issues surrounding the retrieval of semen from a brain dead patient were highlighted in Britain by the case of Diane Blood. On p 1583 Swinn et al present another ethical dilemma involving a woman who wanted to have a baby by her dead husband, but with consent of uncertain validity. Debating this complex issue, Bewley argues that the patient was assaulted as consent was not valid, while Lichterman highlights some other ethical concerns of the case. Steinberg widens the issue to look at the ethics involved in organ donation, and concludes that such discussions are likely to remain open.